Exploring Perceptions of Graduates’ Experiences that Impact CFP® Certification: A Multiple Case Inquiry

Written By: Kristy L. Archuleta, Cherie Stueve, Rich Stebbins, Randy J. Kemnitz, Charles R. Chaffin, Kelley K. Williams, Stephen C. Poplaski, Ronald A. Sages, Racquel Heath Tibbetts, and Emily A. Burr

This study utilized qualitative methods to explore perceptions of graduates from Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards™ Registered Programs regarding experiences that impact CFP® certification completion. Participants (N = 16) were classified into four different groups: Certified, In Progress, With Intentions, and No Intentions. In general, the themes that emerged from within case analyses and across cases related to four areas, including pre-service experience, intrinsic motivation, employment, and respect for the CFP® marks. The results of this study suggest that financial service firms have a number of opportunities to strengthen the interest in a financial planning career and assist recent graduates in their pursuit of CFP® certification with time and financial support of the examination process.